6 Amazing Places to Dine +Shop in Montana

Located just north of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, this 80-year-old staple features savory home cooking for hungry explorers seeking to fuel their wilderness adventures. Start your day off right with the secret recipe to the perfect pancakes that they’ve “guarded with their life” and top them with succulent organic blueberries when they’re in season.

Instead of a coffee mug or shot glass to commemorate your Montana Log Home Road Trip, why not pick up a souvenir that means something — stop by J. Dub’s showroom for a piece of functional, decorative or architectural metal art you can incorporate into your own log home. Known as the home of “The Original 30 Cowboys,” J. Dub’s produces everything from off-the-shelf weather vanes to custom artisan metalwork for doors, balconies and more.

Since 1981, Specialty Wood-works has proudly professed that its handcrafted doors, cabinetry and fireplace mantels and surrounds are “Made in Montana.” Conveniently located in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, the folks here would love nothing more than for you to come see their exquisite work in person while you travel along your Log Home Road Trip.

The freshest ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, are the hallmark of one of Montana’s most critically acclaimed restaurants. Gourmet offerings include elk roulade, black trumpet mushrooms, sturgeon and buffalo tenderloin. For an evening of fine dining, you can’t go wrong here.

Known for its homemade bread, spicy fried chicken and unlimited creativity when it comes to huckleberries (they use them in everything from cocktails to mile-high pie), this family-style restaurant near Glacier National Park is the place for good old-fashioned fare. Food is served family style with big plates and bowls to share. Open seasonally from mid-May to late September.

This offbeat cedar-log bar and grill is a favorite hangout of locals and lucky visitors alike. The full bar features a wide array of microbrews, juicy burgers, live music and even cabins and camp grounds (in case the fun goes on all night long!) Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Located just north of Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, this 80-year-old staple features savory home cooking for hungry explorers seeking to fuel their wilderness adventures. Start your day off right with the secret recipe to the perfect pancakes that they’ve “guarded with their life” and top them with succulent organic blueberries when they’re in season.